I must admit the state a music in this day and age is pretty bad! Nowhere is this more obvious that in popular music. The level to which new artists are peddled on us; sounding and looking like everyone before them is absurd. That being said, there are still some exciting artists out there who unfortunately can get lost in the sea of conformity. Here’s MY take on some of the choice pop artists of today.
I don’t think anyone can talk of pop without starting with Madonna. Though she is a bit less innovative and risqué today, Bitch has got some serious game! She’s been in it for ever, every new pop tart wants to be like her; or at least have a career like hers. Madonna is the queen of pop. Her ever changing style and music is the reason we still consider her the queen. She’s fearless, sexy and fabulous. I mean the woman knows how to be sexier than most young girls and she does it with class…unlike Mariah who seems to get tackier with every new album. Of course vocally Mariah can out-sing Madonna any day; but I’ve never cared for Maria’s voice or her songs, even way back when. Madonna’s music is catchy, deep and controversial…I think she has been a pioneer all her musical life and she continues to be today.
Janet, Miss Jackson if your nasty. Well her last album was definitely less of a success than her previous endeavors. Sadly the people of America collectively lost their minds with the sight of her nipple and I don’t think she even realizes how much that could possibly have affected her career. Was it a stunt or not its definitely NOT the big deal it was made out to be. Janet remains a force to be reckoned with in pop music. Its a shame people seem to have forgotten this, I suppose being a Jackson is hard enough, she was walking on thin ice; as it were.
I have to come out and say it: I am hopelessly in love with Justin Timberlake! There! I’ve said it! Its on record! I mean besides having a great voice and vocal range, the guy can move. He’s got more charisma than any male performer I’ve seen in a looooooooong time. Never mind the fact that all this makes him even more gorgeous than he actually is. The guy is irresistible! I am completely mesmerized whenever he’s on screen. He’s certainly going in the right direction with his career too. Working with top producers and writers and pop acts alike. He’s one of the few musicians-turned-actors who seems to really be able to act. And he doesn’t just take any part; he’s not trying to come out as the headliner of any movie. And to me that speaks volumes about him as a person and makes me love him even more!
Since we’re on the subject of males musicians I’m in love with, we might as well move on to Chris Brown. While I know his voice isn’t nearly as strong as many of his contemporaries his dancing more than makes up for any and all of it. He could have given Michael Jackson a run for his money and this is coming from a very hard core MJ fan who grew up to Billy Jean and Thriller and wanted to believe in the gloved one till the very end. Watching Chris Brown dance gives me goose bumps. He’s completely fluid and seems to move effortlessly. He’ s absolutely adorable ( ask Princess Rihanna;) ) and while he may not be the best singer out there I thoroughly enjoy his music and his voice. I do think many people behind him are trying to make him into the next Michael Jackson a little too much, and I do see quite a few similarities but I think we’re due for another performer to take our breathes away.
Well I cant like ‘em all folks. That being said I am sorry for the hoards of Usher fans who will want to see me dead. I am NOT a fan. Some of his tunes are catchy that’s for sure. And the guy can sing. And I also know he puts hours upon hours into learning choreography and works harder than I could ever imagine. And I also know the guys has a six pack. I still cant stand him. He’s so full of himself its not even funny and really I don’t think he moves all that great. Like I never thought Britney danced all that great either. They learn the steps sure, but they come off robotic and manufactured. I’m not saying every other artist on here isn’t manufactured. I don’t know, I used to like Usher when he came out. Now I think he’s ego’s gotten bigger than he ever could. I hate that everyone thinks he’s the best dancer out there. And he just really reminds me of Gary Coleman.
Speaking of ego: Beyoncé. Another talent I used to like. Can we say OVEREXPOSED?! Solo Career, Destiny’s Child, Movies, Make Up, Perfume, Cell Phones!?? I mean seriously; shouldn’t someone in her camp be telling her she’s saturating the market and guaranteeing a fall back and well people are gonna get sick of her…a lot already are. Yes the girl can sing, but I’m overdosed on her vocal acrobatics and whining. She definitely can dance but when she goes into her ‘’stream of consciousness’’ freestyle moves I wonder if she’s having a seizure. I really wish she hadn’t gotten her big inflated head into everything, cause I miss the days where I loved her.
I definitely have nothing but love for Beyoncé’s would be rival and the rightful heiress to the throne; Rihanna. I adore this girl. You cant deny that she lacks a bit in the voice department; I must she has shown incredible improvements. Anyways I never thought her voice was bad and at least she has the balls to sing live unlike many of her pop tart counterparts who got famous regardless. Rihanna has talent, she can control her vocal range with incredible ability: what has been called vocal ‘’innuendo’’ ; she plays with her voice. That being said I absolutely am head over heels with her songs. The beats are amazing, I like both her slow songs and her up tempo songs as well and that’s a rarity for me. I must admit I loved her straight out coming out with Pon de Replay and ever since, but man when this chick cut her hair and dyed it black; I fell in love. So rarely do we see women doing anything even slightly ”outside the box” in music nowadays. Rihanna herself has stated that her label wanted her to keep her long flowy blond hair. She is absolutely gorgeous however she does her hair or whatever else. I am thoroughly obsessed; enough said.
On to my previous obsession : Xtina or Christina Aguilera. I, unlike most others preferred Xtina during her ‘’Dirrty’’ phase. I loved the piercings and hair extensions, I definitely preferred the make up; and I have to admit not being able to look at Miss Aguilera the same since the one or two implants she’s gotten. Vocally the girl is OUT OF THIS WORLD. No one can touch her. I do still enjoy most of her songs and the girl has got talent and style. I just have a hard time with the ‘’Marylyn Monroe’’ phase seeing as its been done my her MADGEsty’’. Xtina does deserve to be the ‘’It’’ girl seeing as she played second best to our next topic…
Ah Britney Spears…how I spent days and nights bitching about your lack of talent, your unjustifiable fame and your need for attention. All this changed after the MTV Music awards where Britney BOMBED during the performance seen around the world. I sat; jaw dropped, watching her look like an out of it mess and I couldn’t help but feel awful. Poor girl has never really been in control of her career; that kind of thing must take its tole. Her last cd was by far the best I’ve ever heard sadly. I had a hard time listening to it though; without picturing her dead eyes looking towards me. I sincerely hope she gets herself ok again.
Last but definitely not least, Ciara. I did like this girl right away…girl can DANCE like Miss Janet in her prime!! She looks hot, she’s got her own sound. For me after her first single she kinda got lost in the crowd, but seeing her dance in ‘’Like a Boy’’ on top of the meaning of that song; well I’m hooked. Love her attitude, her style and her talent. Cant wait to see more from this one thats for sure!
